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Seborrhea or Cradle Cap in Infants. How to treat.

December 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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Cradle cap or infantile Seborrheic dermatitis -  Seborea is a common skin disorder in babies. Seborrhea  or Seborea  occurs when the sebaceous glands are producing excessive sebum (skin oil). It is believed that baby scalp seborrhea  is caused by testosterone (male hormone) that has been transmitted from the mother to her newborn during  pregnancy. The effect  of these  hormone will  disappear  before the  baby is one year old.

In most cases cradle cap or  baby scalp seborrhea , will present itself as a layer of  oily  yellow layer of sticky  dandruff over the scalp. This skin disorder is  not harmful  in any  way  to the baby , is not contagious and doesn’t itch. However in cases that are severe, itching and sore sensation will be present. It has the ability to spread to  other  areas of  the body. In these  cases it may result in secondary infection that  should be  treated  by a  dermatologist.

It is recommended  today to treat  cradle cap  it in its early stages.  Treatments for the early and  mild  cases  cradle cap is shampooing daily. It  is very important not  to  brush the  scalp  too strongly  to  avoid damage  to the underlying  skin.

When the  crust   is thick  and  sticky  it  should  first  be  softened  with  an  ointment  prescribed  by  a  dermatologist. After a  few  hours   the crust can be  easily  removed by hand  with a mild  shampoo.

If this condition is present in older kids, it is best to use an anti-dandruff conditioner and shampoo  every  day or  two. These  kids should  be  examined  by  a  dermatologist  to rule   other  causes  for  thick  dandruff including   atopic dermatitis ,  psoriasis  of  scalp  fungal infections.

 

 

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Filed Under: DRY SKIN, ITCHY SKIN, RED SKIN, SEBORRHEA Tagged With: , , , ,

Seborrheic Dermatitis – New Treatments

December 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Areas of Seborrhea on the face

What is Seborrheic dermatitis?

Red skin along with irritation and flaking (desquamation)  are the main symptoms of a skin condition called Seborrheic dermatitis or seborea. Mostly located in areas of the body where the sebaceous glands are dense, areas like the side  of the nose ,  between the eyebrows,  on the  scalp  and  less  frequently  in the  groin and armpits. Even though this condition is not life threatening, it is an unpleasant and causes many patients to seek treatment.

The cause  for  Seborrheic dermatitis (seborea) is still not fully understood. It seems   to  be a  combination of  genetic  predisposition,  mood changes ,  a  fungus  on the  skin  and   the  body own  exaggerated  inflammatory  process.

In the winter this condition gets worse. Same  for  people  who  undergo emotional and physical stress. Seborrheic dermatitis can  be  sometimes  quite  itchy  especially on the scalp.

 

How  to  treat  Seborrheic  dermatitis ?

In many instances Seborrheic dermatitis (seborea) has been linked to the  existence of a  yeast called  mallassezia  fufur. . Antifungals that destruct  these organisms in these patients may  be used  to  achieve  clinical  improvement  but  will  not  result  in cure. Topical steroids applied  to the inflamed  areas  will usually   bring   short  time  relief.  Nevertheless,  as  usual  with   steroidal  treatment  the  symptoms  with  recur  rapidly  when  topical  stride  is  stopped. Prolonged d  use  of  topical  steroids (longer  than  a  week) may  result s  in  permanent skin damage -  thin  skin  and  enlarged  skin  capillaries.

Your Dermatologist   may  prescribe   ointments  that  contain   Sulfur  (3-5%)  and  Salicylic  Acid  (2-3%) . These  ointments  are  very  effective  and  do  not  contain  steroids.  Nevertheless  they  are  usually  quite  oily  and  smelly  limiting their   use.

New  over the  counter  topical  solution  developed  lately   allow   steroidal  free therapy for  Seborrheic  dermatitis.  This   solution (SebaClear) contains  OTC  ingredients , targeting all  main  causes  of Seborrhea and Psoriasis  (Fungal, Inflammatory, Desquamation).  The  effectiveness  of  these  compounds  was  proven  Dermatological  studies  to  high   with   long  term  safety  and  ease of  use.

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Quick diagnosis of Atopic Dermatitis

December 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Dennie-Morgan lines in atopic kids

Atopic dermatitis is also known as “Asthma of the skin”. It is generally manifested as dry skin itching and eczematous red areas mostly on the flexural parts of the elbows and knees. An interesting features that helps dermatologist diagnosis – is a is an additional skin fold below the lower eyelids called Dennie-Morgan lines. (see picture).

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Filed Under: ALLERGIES, DRY SKIN, ITCHY SKIN, SKIN RASH, TIPS & TRICKS

Prevention and Destruction of Bedbugs and Fleas

November 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The cleanliness of our room affects on the control of bedbugs and fleas to certain extent. We can keep these pests in control with mechanical removal and good housekeeping.

Some simple tips and methods for prevention

• Check the mattress, wooden framing, carpet and other hiding places of the bugs. Examine a mattress or bed-sheet carefully for any sign like blood or bug excrement.
• Use white sheets-White sheets make it easy to see these bugs and also the streaks of blood or their excrement.
• Bed-sheet or bedclothes should never be allowed to drape on floor. This can prevent bedbugs, but not fleas, because it can jump.
• Wash the clothing and bedding in hot water, and dry in sun, if possible.
• Dry cleaning as well as Detergents kills the bedbugs. After dry cleaning, the items should be put in a plastic bag.
• Hanging clothes, bed-sheets and mattress in the sun is recommended, but it will disburse them, and they are likely to come back later. But, if the clothing etc are put inside any plastic bag (preferable black colored) and put in the sun, it will kill the bugs.
• Vacuum clean all furniture or suitcases, esp. the cracks and crevices in the walls.
• Always keep a flashlight nearby at bedside.
• Avoid leaving your clothing lying on the bed, instead, use hangers or hooks to keep keeping them away from the floor or bed. Also use suitcases with hard sides (without canvas). Keep them in plastic bags, when not in use. Elevate such items off the floor to luggage stand, tables or chairs.
• Elevate the bed, and apply double-sided sticky tape around each leg of bed, or by keep them plastic furniture block within a tray of water.
• Wipe down all likely hiding places of these bugs with Use Steam or alcohol to kill them. For bedbugs, steam cleaning can kill them in all life stages (including eggs), but as steam does not penetrate far, it has limitations. Also, as heat has no residual effect like chemicals, the bedbugs and fleas return if they are hiding in other places.
• Repair cracks in walls, and re-glue peeling wallpaper to eliminate their hiding places.
• Call an exterminator. They are trained people for eliminating bugs and prevent their return.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

Diatomaceous earth is an environment-friendly obstacle, to prevent bedbugs. The diatomaceous earth scraps off the waxy cuticle (hard skin) that covers an insect, causing them to die of dehydration.
Natural and chemical pesticides and repellents
Turpentine oil, commonly known as paint thinner not only kills bedbugs and fleas, including their eggs, but it also repel them. But it is highly inflammable and toxic and must be used with extreme caution.
Other repellants include insecticides, eucalyptus oil, Permethrin and black pepper.
Traditional/Alternative methods

Neem oil is made from the leaves and barks of the neem tree, native to India. It can be dispensed on curtains, bed-sheets, carpets and mattresses. It is natural, an effective insect repellent and it is antibacterial.
TREATMENTS
Scratching a flea bite can cause infection. Besides the itching feeling, bedbug bites does not cause any serious disease that requires medications, because it does not cause infection like fleas.
• Wash the bug bites with any antiseptic lotion or soap.
• Oral antihistamine may be taken to reduce itching.
• Wet a cotton swab with tea tree oil or neem oil to clean the bites.
• Calamine lotion and Hydrocortisone creams reduce itching. Calamine lotion also forms a thin film to cover over the insect bites.
• Apply ice pack on the bug-bites. It will reduce the itching and swelling.

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Skin Rash On Kids – Rapid Diagnosis For Everyoneitchy ears

November 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment
skin rash info and tips from a leading board certified dermatologist

Skin Rash On Kids

Your  Kid  has   a  rash ?   Where  did the rash  start  ? is it itchy ?  What  color is it ?  Does  he/her have  enlarged   lymph  gland ?  Learn the  how  to diagnose  the   most   common  kids  rashes , Measles, Chicken pox,  Rubella, Rubeolla and  more..

FeverItchyThe lesionLocationDurationAdditional signs
MeaslesYesMinimalFlat pink and then redFirst the face and
then the chest belly
and feet		4-7 daysBefore the rash
there is cough
and "red eyes"
RubellaYesNoFlat and redface and then truck and limbs2-4 daysSwollen lymphs glands behind the years.
In older kids -
sometimes joint pains.
RubeollaYesNousually flat and pink, maybe sometimes a bit rough to the touchFirst the trunk and
then arms and neck. Minimal on face and feet.		1-2 daysStart with high temperature (fever) .
The rash appears
after the rash subsides.
Scarlet feverYesNoFlat, red , rough to the touch.First the face and then the elbows. Spreads rapidly in 24 hours to the rest of the body.5-7 daysSore throat and then desquamation of skin
on the pals of the hands.
Fifth DiseaseNoNoFlat, Red, Lace like.Looks like a "slapped cheek" The rash can appear and disappear again during the disease.First the face, and then
teh rest of the body
Chicken PoxYesYesFlat red and then vesicles and crustscan start anywhere - Limbs , trunk, face, scalp/4-10 daysThe lesions start as
flat papules and than transform into vesicles
and crusts
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Dry Skin And Dry Lips – Nine Best Treatment Tips You Will Ever Need !

October 29, 2010 By Leave a Comment

What are the causes for dry skin?

Many factors are responsible for excessive dryness of the skin; age, geographic location, time of year, dry and wet in the workplace and frequency of use in water and soap. We all know the hot desert air causes dry skin, but as skin loses moisture being exposed to cold winter wind gusts (winter air is drier). Dry skin is also created after a long stay in air conditioned rooms or overly heated without adding moisture to the air.

How does it look?

Unlike normal skin which  is  soft and smooth dry  skin is rough to the touch and  lacks flexibility. It is a mistake to think red peeling skin between the eyebrows and sides of the nose indicate dry skin. This phenomenon  is  actually caused  by  over  activity of sebaceous skin glands in the  area called Seborrhea. In this  case   adding   oily  creams  to  the skin would only exacerbate the situation.

How to treat dry skin?

The key for dry skin is to maintain constant moisture. The moisturized skin is soft and more pleasant to the touch . There is consensus among dermatologists that washing the skin one or two per day is  more than  enough. Face wash is  best   done before going to bed , to remove makeup and dirt accumulated on the skin during the day. In the Morning, its enough to refresh your face a little water and there  is  no need to use soap. The  face should be cleaned in lukewarm water which is  not  too hot.

If the your  skin is very  dry water and soap should be used alternately with milk or cream cleaners, and its not advisable to use cleaning fluids that contain alcohol. Alcohol damage  the   natural  the skin oiliness which    functions as a natural moisturizer. After the initial cleaning is recommended using a moisturizer to replenish the skin  fatty protection. A light cream containing a water-based oil is recommended for use during the day.

Tips to prevent and treat dry skin in winter

Dry winter air – you need  to  double the frequency of skin lubrication

Painful  small cracks in the  skin -  use  the  fattest  moisturizer  you can  find  preferably  with lactic  acid.

Aqueous solution lubricating skin lotion will provide a only  brief and temporary relief . When the water will evaporate the solution – effect will disappear. A thicker cream  that contains more fat – will  be  more effective to treat dry skin.

Using hats, gloves and scarves reduces the skin’s exposure to wind and therefore reduces the dryness caused by cold dry air. (Cotton scarf is  less irritating to the skin than  wool  scarves)

With dry skin should use gloves during housework.

When washing, avoid using  hot water – it  dehydrates more the skin.

When washing – use a minimal amount of soap.

Limit hand washing (to  after  toilet..)

Avoid creams and solutions containing alcohol.

Treatment of  dry lips

Dry  and cracked  lips appear with intermittent exposure to moisture and dryness. The phenomenon is more common in winter when cold winds dry the lips quickly. Lips become rough and lose their moisture and their flexibility. Dry frequently develop painful cracks.

The most important rule – do not exaggerate lip licking. The saliva  layer that covers the lips evaporates quickly and increases the rate of drying.  Keep the  lips moist by applying   a  Vaseline lipstick. Most lipstick contain important sunscreens also protect the lips from the damage of the sun. Apply the Vaseline on the lips frequently during the day and also at bedtime. Its application is important for those who suffer a common colds.

Due to a stuffed up nose we are forced to breathe through the mouth. If the dry lips continued despite all the measures taken above should contact a dermatologist to rule out the possibility of allergic inflammation of lips an or inflammation associated with chronic sun damage.

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Skin Allergies – What Are The Seven Most Common Causes ?

September 18, 2010 By 1 Comment

[1] Nickel: Nickel is a metal found in many products, especially those plated with a chrome-nickel alloy or those made of stainless steel, of which nickel is one of the components.  Many earrings not made of gold contain nickel and cause dermatitis in people allergic to it.  The metal buttons on jeans and belt and watchband buckles also contain nickel and can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people.  Since perspiration dissolves a small quantity of the nickel found in various products, these reactions are more common in summer.

[2] Rubber: Rubber is a frequent cause of allergic reactions.  An allergy to rubber appears as an itching red rash which can manifest itself a few minutes after contact with an article containing rubber.  Most of these reactions occur in people who use rubber gloves, among them doctors and nurses who wear gloves made of latex.  People who have been diagnosed as allergic to rubber and to rubber-bearing products are advised to wear vinyl gloves instead, since these to not produce allergic reactions.

[3] Hair Dyes: Some people are sensitive to hair dyes.  A common cause is the pheraphenylan diamine, one of the ingredients found in hair dyes.

[4] Chromates: Chromates are substances common in cement, shoe leather, matches, paints and some anti-rust preparations.  Welders, construction workers and shoe makers are readily exposed to chromates and can develop allergies to products containing them.

[5] Cosmetics: The wide range of cosmetic products that can be bought today enables us to beautify our hair and nails.  Remember, however, that these products can cause unwanted side effects such as allergic dermatitis, increased sensitivity to the sun, lesions resembling acne, etc., which should be diagnosed early to prevent continued damage to the skin.

The most common cause of cosmetic allergy is caused by the fragrances present in cosmetic products.  More than five thousand such fragrances are in use today and are found not only in cosmetics which are applied or sprayed onto the skin but in other common household items such as toilet paper, paper towels, soaps, detergents and fabric softeners.

Some of the fragrances, especially those used in men’s after shave lotions until a few years ago, cause increased facial skin sensitivity to the sun, which can lead to hard-to-cure chronic skin inflammations or to brown splotches on the skin.  Allergy tests can determine the exact cause of this sensitivity.

Preservatives are found in the overwhelming majority of cosmetic products.  Their role is to prevent bacteria and fungi from contaminating the product.  These preservatives often cause rashes and are the second most common cause of allergic reactions to cosmetics.

A small number of side effects has been noted as a result of the use, welcome as it is, of sun blocks.  These   allergic reactions appear as local redness or itching.  They used to be caused by an ingredient called PABA, which is no longer used in such preparations; today they are caused by sun blocks containing oxybenzone.

[6] Toothpaste There have been infrequent reported cases of skin irritations caused by toothpaste.  In these few cases, sensitivity to toothpaste or mouthwash appears as an itchy red area around the lips.  In a few cases allergic reactions  to the fluoride in toothpaste have caused lesions resembling the pustules of acne around the lips.

[7] Shaving creams and after shave lotions can cause irritations or allergies, chiefly because of the fragrances they contain.  One of the most common such fragrances in use during the nineteen sixties and seventies was called “musk ambrette,” and caused severe skin inflammations which worsened upon exposure to the sun.

Certain cosmetic products contain hypoallergenic ingredients which cause fewer allergic reactions than ordinary cosmetic products.  Although the chance of developing an allergic reaction to one of these substances is relatively small, they are not perfect and do cause such reactions in some of the people who use them.

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Leishmania Caused By Sand Flies – Best Tips

September 18, 2010 By 1 Comment
MosquitoR

Leishmania-

Sand flies are tiny, blood-sucking flies which sting exposed skin, especially of the face, arms and legs.  Since the female begins to hunt for prey at sunset, most bites occur at night.  In most cases the bites are slight, itch for several hours and gradually disappear.

The bite of the sand fly is only dangerous in the region of the Dead Sea, Israel.  There the flies bear a parasite called Leishmania, which causes an ulcerous disease generically called Leishmaniasis.  If the parasite is transmitted to humans, after several weeks a purulent ulcer can develop which remains for months and eventually leaves a scar.  Since a sand fly cannot fly higher than 20 centimeters (8 inches) from the ground, anyone sleeping in the region of the Dead Sea should sleep on a bed or on a raised platform.  Trousers and long sleeved shirts should be worn at night and an insect repellent should be used.

TREATMENT

The treatment for the bites of regular sand flies is the same as for mosquito bites.  If a purulent lesion develops, a dermatologist should be consulted immediately to prevent the development of Leishmaniasis.  Early treatment of the disease, either by injections or the use of creams and ointments especially formulated to combat Leishmaniasis, can prevent the formation of scars after the lesions have healed.

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Bed Bugs and Fleas – Best Tips

September 18, 2010 By 4 Comments

BEDBUGS

Bedbugs are usually found in old buildings which are not well cared for.  Bedbugs are wingless, red-brown in color, an need moisture. During the day they hide in beds, under carpets and rugs, in the cracks in old furniture and in walls.  At night they leave their hiding places in search of food: human blood.  In most cases their bites are only perceived the following morning, the marks forming straight lines of red dots.  If the person bitten is particularly sensitive, the itchy red spots can last for several weeks.  In addition to treating the bites themselves with ice and soothing creams and lotions, the bedbugs should be destroyed, and if necessary an exterminator should be called to fumigate the furniture.

TREATMENT

The same treatment is recommended the bites of bedbugs as for mosquito bites.

FLEAS

These insects are parasites, usually living on mammals and birds.  House pets like cats and dogs can serve as their natural breeding grounds.  Humans are rarely affected by fleas, and then only when the animal is very heavily infested.

Fleas often remain on the rugs or sofas where pets sleep, and if their usual host is absent they will exploit humans to insure their food supply.  Fleas are also found on lawns and in sandboxes where infested animals have been.  Flea bites generally appear as swollen, very itchy red spots, concentrated on the legs, usually during hot weather and most frequently on children.  Whenever such a concentration of red spots is found, the pet and the area around the house should be examined carefully, and anti-flea measures taken.  The cat or dog should wear an anti-flea collar, which will keep the pet free of fleas as long as the collar is worn.

TREATMENT

The same treatment is recommended flea bites as for mosquito bites.  Flea bites will continue until the fleas have been gotten rid of.

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Bees And Wasps Stings – Best Tips

September 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Bees And Wasps Stings-

Only the female bee has a sting, which is located at the end of its abdomen.  When a bee stings it injects poison into the flesh of its victim, causing an irritation.  A person who has been stung by a bee experiences local pain, redness and swelling for about 48 hours.  On clear, sunny days when there are many flowers in bloom, it is highly unlikely that a bee will sting a human being.  However, when it is cloudy, a person wearing bright colors, especially red or yellow, is liable to attract a bee’s attention.  They usually sting if they are annoyed or feel that they are in danger.  Wasps, on the other hand, usually attack if their nests are approached; they should therefore be left alone.  If bees or wasps have built a nest near your house in a hollow tree or a recess in a wall, call a professional exterminator to destroy it.

TREATMENT

Bee stings, with their poison sacks, remain in the skin, and must be removed as quickly as possible.  Wasps, on the other hand, retain their stings and can therefore sting again.

WARNING!  Squeezing a bee sting can drive the poison further into the skin.  It is preferable to try to remove the sting with a needle, knifepoint or fingernail.

Bee and wasp stings should be washed with soap and water, and ice can be used to relieve pain.  As soon as a bee stings, it releases a chemical substance which attracts other bees to the area, so that one sting can be the cause of dozens more.  Spreading smoke, for instance by waving burning cigarettes in the air, can repel angry bees and prevent further stings.

Applying an anesthetic like benzocaine or a cream containing cortisone can relieve pain for a short time.  If there are multiple stings an antihistamine should be taken orally to alleviate itching and reduce swelling.  Remember that some of these drugs contain substances which can reduce alertness, and therefore they should not be taken while driving a car or engaging in any other activity which requires alertness or concentration.

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